​Establishing a habitual practice to maintain your energy levels and energy cleanliness is essential for your well-being. This is a list that I have modified from an energy healing course that I attended and continue to use regularly to feel fully in my body, grounded, and full of energy. I use these practices in my daily life and with my children because they are so easy and accessible. These practices require very little extra time, are incredibly simple, and are basically free! Try these for a week to raise and clear your energy. You should experience an improvement in your overall sense of wellness and well-being. Enjoy!

Here are 9 practices you can easily incorporate into your daily routine:

Meditate and pray often, especially upon rising. This helps set your positive intention for the day and clear any emotions that may be blocking your energy.

Ensure you are hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It is very important for the proper flow of energy and for your physical well-being.

Eat fresh foods of all colors to keep your energy levels up and balanced. Ditch the sugar and processed foods.

Get outdoors as much as possible. Spend time in nature breathing clean air and absorbing the splendour of nature.

Practice grounding exercises when you feel a little spaced out, out of sorts, or irritated. This is as simple as can be. You literally have to touch the earth with the intention of getting grounded. Better yet, lay down on the earth. You can pet your dog or cat, do some gardening, dance, or exercise with the intention of getting grounded. It is as simple as that.

Make sure you spend as much time as you can doing things you enjoy, not just chores! Be creative. Have fun!

Cleanse your energy field first thing in the morning and last thing at night. One way to do this is by smudging with white sage or palo santo.

Eat 4 hours before you go to bed.

Sleep at least 2 hours before midnight.

​These simple practices in your daily routine will help you feel clear and energized!

In honor of celebrating the energy of food this week, I have a special guest post from my friend and acupuncturist, Noah Goldstein, from Heartseed Health. Enjoy!

By Noah Goldstein, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.

My two-year old daughter is the most magical little human I know. Her bright smile and innocent curiosity allow me to see the world with fresh eyes. Her chirpy voice constantly questions “why” and pushes the limits to get her way. Navigating parenthood requires an ongoing presence and consistent awareness with firm, but gentle boundaries. Parenting reminds me that there are often multiple correct and valid answers to the same question depending on the paradigm we choose to work with. The fluttering white light on the wall could be the reflection from my watch, but perhaps for a two year old it is a fairy. This also comes up every day working as a practitioner of Eastern medicine in a Western world. For instance, when I navigate dietary recommendations with a patient I will often make recommendations based upon Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in additional to offering a Western biomedical explanation. I find TCM and Western medicine create a superb team for nutritional insight and together promote health and vitality.

I'm finally getting this recipe out there. I've made it a million times and sent it out a million more. Here it is for everyone to enjoy!

I don't eat grains myself, but for those of you who do, you'll find that everyone loves this challah, and that it will often be chosen over the gluten one. It's gluten free, dairy free and sweetened with honey or date paste. My kids and husband absolutely love it. The best part is that it is an oat flour bread and you can use it for the hamotzi blessing on Shabbat or other times. This has been great for us when hosting. We can make two loaves of this challah and not have to worry about making a wheat or spelt challah for others. I also make this challah in bread pans because I find braiding to be tedious. Braiding it is totally possible though! My loaves don't have the beautiful traditional braided look, but it's great sliced bread for sandwiches!